JOURNAL CLUB: Standardizing CT-Guided Biopsy Procedures: Patient Dose and Image Noise.

Objective: The objective of this study was to standardize our image acquisition protocol for CT-guided biopsy procedures.

Materials And Methods: The records of consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided biopsy 3 months before (n = 598 biopsies) and 3 months after (n = 540 biopsies) standardization of our image acquisition protocol were retrospectively reviewed. CT technical parameters were individualized on the basis of the sum of the anteroposterior and transverse dimensions of the patient.

Prevention and management of infectious complications of percutaneous interventions.

Infectious complications following interventional radiology (IR) procedures can cause significant patient morbidity and, potentially, mortality. As the number and breadth of IR procedures grow, it becomes increasingly evident that interventional radiologists must possess a thorough understanding of these potential infectious complications. Furthermore, given the increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasis on cost containment, and attention to quality of care, it is critical to have infection control strategies to maximize patient safety.

The Effect of Needle Gauge on the Risk of Pneumothorax and Chest Tube Placement After Percutaneous Computed Tomographic (CT)-Guided Lung Biopsy.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of coaxial guide needle gauge (18 vs. 19 gauge) on the risk of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after CT-guided lung biopsy.

Methods: Imaging records of all patients who had undergone CT-guided lung biopsies at our institution from March 1, 2006 to December 9, 2010 were retrospectively reviewed.

A spectrum of nerve injury after thermal ablation: a report of four cases and review of the literature.

Thermal ablation is an accepted alternative for the palliation of pain from bone metastases. Although rare, neurologic complications after thermal ablation have been reported. We present four cases, including two cases of rapid reversal of postcryoablation neurapraxia after the administration of steroid therapy, and review the literature.